The Elfstones of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Charles Keating

In the far future, unbeknown to humankind, an apocalyptic war is brewing. Fearsome, vengeful Demons rage at the boundaries of the world, held at bay by a spell called the Forbidding. But now that barrier is dying. Evil is beginning to break through. And only the Chosen can banish the Demons back to their realm.

Wil Ohmsford is a healer, not a fighter; a man of duty, not great deeds. But this epic battle seeks him out, for he holds the Elfstones: mysterious protective talismans passed down by his grandfather. Wil is recruited to act as guardian to the Elf girl Amberle, who must venture far to deliver a seed that will help the Forbidding to grow again. The fate of civilization rests upon her shoulders—and the completion of her mission rests upon Wil’s. Now, as the forces of darkness descend, Wil and Amberle embark on a perilous journey, placing their faith in each other to survive the bloodthirsty terrors that await.

Praise for Terry Brooks

“Shannara was one of my favorite fictional worlds growing up, and I look forward to many return trips.”—Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!

“If Tolkien is the grandfather of modern fantasy, Terry Brooks is its favorite uncle.”—Peter V. Brett, author of The Skull Throne

“A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters.”—Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon©1982 Terry Brooks; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

Praise for Terry Brooks

“Shannara was one of my favorite fictional worlds growing up, and I look forward to many return trips.”—Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!

“If Tolkien is the grandfather of modern fantasy, Terry Brooks is its favorite uncle.”—Peter V. Brett, author of The Skull Throne

“A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters.”—Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon

Didn't know this was abridged until after purchase

It is tragic that this audiobook is abridged, while the two others in the trilogy are not.
in the print version, Terry Brooks says this was his favorite story.
It is a shame we do not get to HEAR the whole thing. I did not know it was abridged until after purchase.

book 2 and trilogy

I felt this book was very rushed but the story was very thin and not as enriching as its predecessor but it is part of a great trilogy

cool

this story like the last is a good view of an old story in grand stories. the volcols was what really set off the movie in the mind. it had the age of the story. like music some voice narrators can make the story amazing an others add spice in their own way. none bad none good it's just the my audience members view of each story. off to the next story.

Elfstones Are Superior to the Sword

This was an enjoyable, tight read and a clear contrast to its predecessor. I’m glad that I took the time to read it after all these years. It took me 43 years to finish Sword, but only two days to inhale a far better sequel.

I knew this was the abridged version.

Understanding this I tried to remember the book as I had read it back in the 80's. I know somethings are missing, but I can't remember just what. When I originally read the book, this I do remember, I was so involved in the characters of Will & Amberle I cried at the end. Perhaps it was the narrator, or the abridged version, but I didn't feel as close to the characters as I did back then. Granted I have reread the book in the past and came away feeling the same closeness. Unfortunately this time it wasn't there. Oh well, I purchased this version since I couldn't get the unabridged one anywhere so that I can move on to the next unabridged version of The Wishsong of Shannara. I know I will enjoy reliving the experience, with the full unabridged version, of being whisked away to the world of Shannara once again.
Please Audible and Terry Brooks, make the unabridged version of The Elfstones of Shannara available for those of us that want the full story to complete our libraries.
For those who've never read this book, read it. This book is all about the emotional connection to the characters that was absent in The Sword of Shannara. It is its heart and soul. Skip this narrated version.